Robots are hitting the streets of Hoboken, N.J., to improve accessibility for pedestrians

Robots that look like "WALL-E" are starting to roam around Hoboken, New Jersey, as the city aims to improve accessibility for pedestrians. 

Hoboken officials announced residents will see Daxbot robots traveling along sidewalks starting Monday. They will be collecting engineering data to improve ADA accessibility. They will also assess curb ramps, push buttons, crosswalks and park pathways.

The robots, funded by a federal grant, are part of the city's larger Vision Zero initiative under its Accessibility Action Plan. 

What are Daxbots? 

Daxbot robots travel at walking speed, using sensors to collect detailed engineering measurements. Sidewalk width, vertical changes and curb conditions are just some of the information they will gather in Hoboken. 

They are equipped with precision lasers, GPS technology, and an inclinometer, according to the Daxbot website.

City officials said the Daxbots will be supervised at all times and wear high-visibility vests. Pedestrians shouldn't have issues with them as they are relatively short and yield to people on sidewalks.

"They are literally out there to check the conditions of our sidewalks and how passable they may or may not be," Mayor Emily Jabbour said. 

Residents who see a Daxbot are encouraged to take a selfie and tag the city on social media @CityofHoboken and Daxbot at @idigdax. Officials, however, also remind people to not obstruct the robots while they're working.

Daxbots do not store any personal information, officials said. 

"A pain to get through" 

Hoboken's Vision Zero plan aims to eliminate all traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. The city has gone nine consecutive years without a traffic fatality.   

"We've been designing safe streets," Jabbour said. "What I have launched is not a version of this that looks at the accessibility of our streets, because it's not just about making sure streets are safe. It's about making that everyone has the freedom and independence to travel safely around Hoboken." 

But getting from point A to point B in Hoboken isn't always a smooth trip for many residents. Old tree roots have mangled sidewalks and created obstacles for pedestrians, especially parents with strollers and people using wheelchairs. 

"It's kind of a hassle to get over the cracks and the bumps. I actually just had to cross the street because across the street you can't even go through with a stroller," one woman said. "It's pretty much a pain to get through." 

"Unless you're on Washington Street, Washington Street is the widest street we have, the side streets all look like this," said Jan Christie. 

The city also launched a public survey to gather feedback from residents, business owners and others. It is open until July 23.   

"Hoboken has become a national model for street safety because we've consistently invested in making our streets work better for everyone," the mayor. "By combining innovative technology like Daxbot with feedback from residents and guidance from accessibility advocates, we'll better understand where improvements are needed and develop a roadmap that makes Hoboken's streets, sidewalks, and public spaces safer and more welcoming for everyone." 

Officials said the robots will be in town for the next month or so.